Description
The Eublaberus serranus, commonly known as Headlamp Roach or Pantanal Roach, is a distinctive and attractive roach species featuring characteristic markings and robust build. This striking roach displays unique headlamp-like patterns on its pronotum, making it one of the most recognizable and sought-after Eublaberus species available in the hobby, perfect for both pet keeping and as a feeder insect.
This species reaches a size of 3"+ inches at maturity. Adults live 1–2 years, and nymphs take 6–8 months to mature depending on temperatures. Females gestate their broods for 2–4 months and give birth to litters of 20–30 nymphs. Known for its distinctive headlamp-like markings, live-bearing reproduction, hardy nature, ease of care, and reliable breeding characteristics, the Headlamp Roach is a prized specimen for keepers who appreciate attractive Eublaberus roaches with unique patterns and low-maintenance requirements.
Key Features:
- Distinctive headlamp-like markings on pronotum
- Attractive and recognizable patterns
- Size reaching 3"+ inches in length
- Adults live 1–2 years
- Live-bearers producing 20–30 nymphs per litter
- Nymphs mature in 6–8 months
- Excellent feeder insect or pet species
- Hardy and tolerant of care lapses
- Quite tolerant of crowding
- Beginner to intermediate care level
- Live arrival guarantee with safe, discreet shipping
Housing: Starter colonies can be housed in a gallon container, but as they breed they should be moved to a 5–10 gallon enclosure for optimal breeding and colony growth. All cultured species prefer humid conditions and can take dry conditions, but wing nipping can become a problem when sufficient moisture is not available, so keep the entire enclosure humid or at least half of it humid. Moderate to high ventilation is recommended. Provide a substrate of coconut fiber, sphagnum peat, or potting soil an inch or two deep, as both nymphs and adults like to burrow. Add aboveground hides such as cardboard rolls, egg crate, vertically slanted bark hides, or plywood roach huts for adults to rest on.
Temperature: Temperatures in the 75–85°F range are recommended for optimal growth and breeding.
Diet: A staple diet of dog/cat/fish/chick feed, along with fruits and veggies works well. Some Eublaberus are quite protein hungry and colonies can swarm and devour injured/freshly molted invertebrates (including each other) and even dead vertebrates.
Maintenance: Quite tolerant of lapses in care and crowding, and not particularly sensitive to filth buildups or most pests. Dead roach bodies should be regularly removed from enclosures to prevent phorid fly infestations, which are the most destructive pests to this genus. Cleaner crews such as dermestid beetles and lesser mealworms can work well for eating dead roach bodies, though their numbers should be kept in check.
Perfect for keepers seeking a distinctive Eublaberus roach species with recognizable headlamp-like markings and reliable breeding characteristics. Each culture is carefully prepared and comes with comprehensive care information to ensure long-term success with this attractive species.
